Ann Moore Beckner, 78, of Newport News, VA passed away in her home on Thursday, November 16, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by family members, after a well-fought battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Beckner, Sr., and her son Wayne "JR" Beckner, Jr.

She leaves behind a very large family, whom she told every chance she could, she loved them with all her heart. She was specific in her wishes that they all be named here. She never wanted any of her family to feel left out, and emphasized they were all equally important to her. Daughters: Ann England (Bobby) of Newport News, VA; Virginia Blevins (Kevin) of Orange, VA; Gina Williams (Mike) of Newport News, VA; and Doris "Dee Dee" Beckner of Newport News, VA. Grandchildren: Bobby, Celena, Chris, Joshua, Amanda, Stephanie, Meagan, David, Joshua, Matthew, Jesse, Hallie, and Hannah. Great Grandchildren: Joshua, Olivia, Samantha, Jaidan, Avery, Aria, Anaya, Regina, Alex, Jeremiah, Taylor, Evelyn, and Scott. And a Great, Great Grandson Leo.

Ann leaves a beautiful legacy of music behind to be carried on by all her family members. Her greatest wishes were, first- all her family know Jesus as their Lord and Savior; and second – the God-given talent of music that runs through the veins of all her kids and grandkids be nurtured, celebrated, and proudly performed throughout their lives.

Born in South Boston, VA, Ann lived most of her young life with, and was raised by, her Grandparents- Stephen and Hallie Young. They were some of the most precious people in her life, who instilled in her the importance of a relationship with Jesus, a strong work ethic, respect for her elders, and a love of music, singing, and playing the guitar. She lived on a tobacco farm as a child where she made her first profit from growing, picking, stringing, drying, and selling her own small crop of tobacco at just nine years old. She used her money to buy a false front tooth, which had been knocked out accidentally when she was eight.

Her days spent on the farm and with her grandparents were some of the happiest days of her life. She loved to recount stories and lessons learned in those days to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She found great joy in this, especially towards the end of her life.

Ann was a proud graduate (at the age of 57) of Middle Tennessee State University, earning her B.S. in Business Communications in 2002 while working full time at MTSU in the Office of Student Affairs. She was a certified sign language interpreter, also working with deaf and multi-handicapped students in both Murfreesboro, TN, as well as in Charlotte Court House, VA from elementary to high school levels.

Prior to moving to Tennessee to help her son pursue his dream in music, Ann worked as a Civil Servant for the Federal Government for over 25 years. During her career she held a variety of positions. Her gifts of versatility and the ability to adapt in any job capacity placed her in high demand in many areas at Ft. Eustis, as well as Ft. Monroe, VA.

Ann most recently worked for Wright Choices, LLC as a Job Placement Specialist and Job Coach for the deaf and disabled. She helped many individuals find and secure gainful employment despite their physical or mental challenges. She was well known in the local deaf community.

Ann's family will receive friends and guests on Tuesday, November 21 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home located at 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA from 6-7pm. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 22 at 9:30am at Asbury Wesleyan Church, 605 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA, immediately followed by interment at Parklawn Memorial Park. *There will be a sign language interpreter available at her funeral service for her deaf and hard of hearing friends and family members.